Suggestions for a Beginner

[Joemoe]

Hello, for the past couple months I have been looking at a lot of different pieces of art from this website and deviant art. So I have decided I would like to start making my own. I like to research as much as I can before I start something so this is where I would like suggestions, whether it be other great websites or must have books that pertain to my art interests. My art knowledge is very slim, so excuse me if I use any terms wrong. I know that practice is the key thing to art but I want to at least have some insight to what I would like to eventually create before I actually start.

Things I am looking to create eventually are character concepts, and then actually putting those characters to use in illustrations. I always like the concept of humans trying to survive against something that is threatening them, like zombies, aliens, or dragons. So as I have said any websites or books that feature these things would be great. Also, anything that features the basics of art would probably be helpful too.

When I actually do start to practice and as I work on getting better, when is the right time to transition from traditional to digital, while I do think I would enjoy digital more then traditional I have heard you should start with traditional art first. With that being said couple of things I would to ask about supplies and programs, what are some good sketchbooks and pencils for a affordable price. As for when I do go to digital what is a good program should a beginner go to, I was looking into painter, Photoshop, and sai and wasn't sure. As far as the tablet I have been hearing a lot of good things about Wacom so I am guessing they are they way to go.

Lastly, am I going into this with the wrong mindset. While I have many favorite artists that I have been following, there is one in particular that after seeing the art he created, I knew wanted to do this and eventually I want to be as close as I can to his art. Between his art style, his character designs, his level of detail, just everything, if I could one day create something similar to work I would be satisfied. I know everyone has a different art style and techniques and everyone has their inspirations but is this okay for me to have that kind of goal?

Sorry for writing so much, I just wanted to ask as much as I could think of to help me out, so when I start, I actually will have some knowledge. I know I may be jumping the gun with some of these questions but I always like to know things in advance. So any help and suggestions for anything mentioned would be very appreciated.

[Charmer]

Hey Joemoe,

Traditional media are the way to go the first time I think. Just some pencils, a good eraser (best a hard eraser and a kneadable one), a sharpener and a sketchbook or pack of printing paper.

If you wanna get a good knowledge of drawing and a good practice too, the way to go is Andrew Loomis. You can download his books like HERE (http://alexhays.com/loomis/) If you're a beginner try "Fun with a Pencil" (it helped me a lot). The most recommended book is Creative Illustration I think.

Wacom is definitely the only right tablet of choice. You can buy a used Intuos 3 (pretty cheap in comparison to an Intuos 4) or a Intuos 4, I'd say at least Mid sized, the small ones aren't that good to draw, you want a good, well sized drawing area.

Photoshop is the number one I think, a lot of other guys here are using painter, too. But if you want you can use Gimp, myPaint or whatever comes to mind. Try what you want to work with.

Children are learning by copying their parents, friends etc. Painters learn by studying, which is in my opinion a bit more observation. And you will never paint exactly how your favourite painter does. Maybe you can come close to him but you'll never do it exactly like him. Anyway - your style changes a lot in the first months of hard working on your skills.

Hope I did not forget anything. Keep your way in front of you and don't lose motivation too fast. Work hard but take some breaks if you need some.

Best regards,
Flo